Back After a Long Absence

I've recently decided to start blogging, again. I think of it as therapeutic. What to say? I'm not sure. I am feeling down these days. I am really missing our family. I don't dwell on it, there are just so many dates and reminders of our loved ones. I once figured out that with 4 family members, between birthdays, wedding anniversaries, illness anniversaries, death anniversaries, holidays, key dates anniversaries, we have a lot of dates to "get through". Overall, I think we have done quite well, but it is and will continue to be quite a rollercoaster. I tend to talk about our family and hope it doesn't make others feel uncomfortable. It helps me to relive the good times and who they were.

In order to keep Chloe's memories alive, we have pointed out a fun phrase that each of our family members said or shared with her. Chloe was only 15 months old when my dad passed away. But, he dearly loved his dog, Skipper. Skipper is a Golden Retriever, they are the most loving dogs. Anyways, when we would go over to my parent's house, my dad would be holding Skipper by the collar so we could get in the door, and he would chuckle (I can still hear it) and say, "Hey Skip, there's that funny looking puppy, again." Of course, he was referring to Chloe. It always made me smile because I knew how much my dad loved his puppies. For my mom, she used to make this "Mmmm, mmm,mmm,mmm,mmm" sound in a specific way to get Chloe to try new foods. Chloe would then take a bite of food, and repeat after my mom. It was so cute. My sister taught her to say "Nanner, nanner" to Ed. I think we can all totally understand that one. And, last but not least, Ed's mom would get the biggest kick out of Chloe. Chloe would be acting "evil" with a glint (King glint of trouble) in her eye, and do something troublesome. Ed's mom would laugh, almost cackle (I can still here her, too.) and say "Chloe, -insert cackle here- yer Cool!" They all enjoyed her so much. That is probably one of the hardest things for Ed and I to deal with is that They don't get to see Chloe grow up, and Chloe doesn't get to know them. I am very committed to keeping their memories alive through stories. I know that's how I learned about my Nono (Grandpa in Italian - he died when I was 4). I just loved stories about him, and learned so much. So, through stories, she will get to know her dear relatives.

Well, I gotta head to bed for the evening.